Police are to begin CCTV patrols around the streets of a crime-hit area of Teesside.

The move follows concerns about anti-social behaviour and rising car crime in parts of Stockton.

The decision coincides with the delivery of a camera-equipped vehicle to Cleveland Police.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the surveillance operation will be used to better target beat officers and community wardens.

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She added: "The van will be used to tackle vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder.

"We intend the operation to influence peoples' behaviour by the vehicle's presence.

"It will provide intelligence to tackle anti-social behaviour as well as evidence for when enforcement is required."

The marked van will record via state-of-the-art equipment whenever on patrol.

The vehicle has been joint-funded by police and Stockton Borough Council.

Marilyn Davies, community safety manager at the council, said: "All of the equipment will be used in areas that are suffering high levels of crime and disorder and we will use the information that we gather to direct our use of police officers and community wardens."